Dorothea Claire (Cummings) Bartholomew 95, passed away at her home October 17, 2023. She is survived by four sons, Allan (Debbie), Barry, Herbert (Francoise), Brian (Dorca) and a daughter Kimberly Bartholomew Smith (Steven). She is also survived by five grandchildren; Tyler, Nicole, Adrian, Erin, Stevie and three great grandchildren; Marlo, Eliza and newborn Caleb all of whom were a source of immense joy and pride.
Predeceased in death are her husband Herbert, a step-daughter Patricia (Bartholomew) Rubnich Cowart, her parents Clarence Cummings and Grace (Kyer) of Gouverneur NY, three brothers John, David and Thomas all of Gouverneur and two sisters Grace Hutton of Hammond NY and Mary Kirker of Oxbow NY.
Mrs. Bartholomew or Claire as known by family and friends attended local schools in Gouverneur. Being the eldest child she took on many of the responsibilities of helping raise her siblings during the great depression and World War II. Not long after the war ended she met her future husband who entered the local Kinney’s store she was employed at in his dress U.S. Marine Corps uniform. She said he was “the most beautiful man she had ever seen”. Claire married “Herbie” in 1947 and they celebrated their 65th anniversary with the entire family before his passing in 2012.
In 1948 after the birth of their first child the new family shipped out to the Pacific with stops at Midway Island and Guam on the way to Hawaii. This pattern continued for the next 14 years moving every few years while caring for and raising her family many times alone during Herbie’s isolation tours until finally settling permanently in Arlington, VA. in 1963.
Claire was very social and volunteered her time on many occasions including for her bowling league, scouts and school events. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, reading and bowling. Her greatest joy however was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Claire will be remembered for her kindness and the love she shared with all.
Mrs. Bartholomew will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with her husband Herbert Almon Bartholomew.